How Halloween Mocks Humanitys Fear

Happy Halloween!

From Denny: The original Halloween first was a custom back during Medieval times. The poor went from door to door begging all souls cakes on All Souls Day. Over time it evolved into children begging candy on the threat of trick or treat.

A lot of Christians feel threatened by the holiday. As a Christian it doesn't intimidate me at all. In my estimation it's a good idea to remind us of what evil really is: a perversion of goodness. When evil is mocked it goes a long way to reducing it to where it belongs in humanity's psyche. Fear is something to be faced, challenged and defeated.

Besides, it's festivals and holidays like this that give people permission to act silly, contemplate their fears and then costume up for a night. When they go back to their normal every day lives, they feel refreshed and thankful for what they do have after all.

Funny Quote

There is nothing funny about Halloween. This sarcastic festival reflects, rather, an infernal demand for revenge by children on the adult world. - Jean Baudrillard

What is the Inner Music in Your Life?

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From Denny: This quote from Albert Einstein is telling of his inner joy dancing throughout his life. Have you tapped into your inner music lately? Take a moment and really listen inwardly for your quiet song.

Has your song changed since you were a child? My song is delightfully the same and there were those times when listening to it is what kept me going when faced with harsh outer reality. Staying connected kept me balanced. Take a moment to regain your own balance by listening to your inner song; relax, melt into it and validate yourself with beauty.

Quote

* If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. — Albert Einstein

What is Your Place in the Universe?

Photo by amoyomoreiogropal1 @ StumbleUpon

From Denny: Talk about an unexpected joy! A wonderful lady, (Zuzanna) Lotus1150, on StumbleUpon gave me a glowing review of my poetry blog, The Social Poets, and my warriorkitty StumbleUpon blog page yesterday. It sure caught me by surprise, you know, those kinds of surprises we like to see coming our way. :) She has reviewed over 16,000 pages on the internet, so you may wish to visit her recommendations for inspiration. Whew! Quite an accomplishment. I haven't even reached my first 1,000 reviews on StumbleUpon...

Zuzanna (Lotus1150) also included this awesome quote I thought you all would enjoy today. This quote really does give us all perspective while we are wading our way through this chaotic economy, uncertain times and generally looking - or feeling - down, when we should all be looking up to contemplate the largest things in Life. Thank you, Zuzanna for such an inspiring quote for today!

Quote

* Everything is created from moment to moment, always new. Like fireworks, this universe is a celebration and you are the spectator contemplating the eternal Fourth of July of your absolute splendor. - Francis Lucille.

Zuzanna's blogs to visit:

Lotus11 Love For Words and Music - lots of interesting music choices here along with her original love poetry to enjoy.

Zuzanna Blog - this is dedicated to her mother's homeland and is written in Polish but has a translation button available that translates quite good into English, more poetry too.

How Do You Avoid Becoming Your Own Worst Enemy?

Photo from loiterink.com

From Denny: The simplest truism to keep in mind is to remember we really can be our own worst enemies. That's why it's important to always challenge ourselves to stretch what we think is our belief system. Otherwise, our belief system can become so rigid and brittle that it can shatter easily when a tough life test comes our way.

Read, read, read, and then read some more. Broaden those inner horizons. You don't have to believe everything you read, just think about it, pray on it and eventually the right things from the reading will fall into place comfortably.

Read what you know nothing about, in a field of which you have no expertise. It doesn't matter if you don't understand but maybe 10% of it; you will still have acquired an additional 10% of knowledge and understanding you did not possess before you read it!

Keep pushing yourself to learn more about your world and the world of others. Cultivating this lifestyle will keep the negative thinking at bay and you will end up your own best supporter! :)

Quote

* The most handicapped person in the world is a negative thinker. - Anonymous

Former Workaholic Wayne Dyer Offers Interesting Advice

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From Denny: Today's quote is from a former workaholic who finally realized he was going nowhere fast. There is nothing better than the person who finally stops long enough to look up, look around and finally realize they are on the wrong path for them in life. To his credit, this man changed his path and then set about teaching others to become more aware of their true paths available to them. He also has a truly Divine sense of humor.

Quote

* Good morning, this is God. I will be handling all of your problems today. I will not need your help, so have a miraculous day. - Wayne Dyer

Busy Day at The Social Poets, Posts on Dan Browns Book The Lost Symbol and Obama

From Denny: There's so much going on with the news coverage about Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol. He sure has tapped into the popularity of conspiracy theories and fast-paced mystery thrillers.

The Today Show both interviewed him and did some short news stories as clues for unraveling the mysteries in the book, great fun! Take a look.

Video: Interviewing Novelist Dan Brown on The Lost Symbol, Life as an Author, Masons

Video: Good Stories and Clues 1 to 4 for The Lost Symbol

Video: Dan Browns New Book The Lost Symbol

Video: The Lost Symbol - Secrets of the National Cathedral, Masons on Dollar Bill, Todays Masonic World Power

Video: Obama Talks About Womens Issues

*** Note: Post 2 of the day

Photo by lepiaf.geo @ flickr

Do You Remember Your Dreams and Know Why It Is Important?

Photo by alicepopkorn @ flickr

From Denny: This is one the better quotes I've found about the subject of dreaming. Make sure when you go to bed you leave a notebook nearby so you can record your dreams as you begin awakening in the morning or the middle of the night. Remembering our dreams is so important to problem-solving and understanding our lives as they unfold!

Quote

* If a dream affords the dreamer some light on himself, it is not the person with closed eyes who makes the discovery but the person with open eyes lucid enough to fit thoughts together. Dream - a scintillating mirage surrounded by shadows - is essentially poetry. - Michel Leiris

Haiku Style Imagination Quote and Photo

Kite flying photo by h.koppdelaney @ flickr

From Denny: With some cool weather finally arriving, even in relieved south Louisiana, your mind turns to the winds - and kite flying! Loved this sweet quote from 1940's actress Lauren Bacall. It's like a haiku of inner thought, packed with more meaning than the surface of the words imply.

Quote

* Imagination is the highest kite one can fly. - Lauren Bacall

*** Note: Post 2 of the day

How Do You Know Your Creativity is Art?

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From Denny: This quote really gave me a chuckle. So many times a recipe or an artwork or even a write didn't turn out like I expected, seeming wrong from the original plan. Yet, I would step back, take a look with fresh eyes and recognize how the work was far superior to what had been scripted!

Let your creativity flow, and, when it does, give it a chance to prove to you its value.

Quote

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. - Scott Adams

How is the Dream Helpful on Our Life Journey?

Photo without attribution

From Denny: Sometimes, when you are going through so much you really start wondering if you will see daylight. Nurture Hope; keep it alive for it will keep you going along with a good dose of humor.

Much is said in the philosopher circles about being truly awake or just sleep-walking through Life. Many believe that until we learn to become present in the moment, aware of All, are we truly awake. It is then Hope need only be a dream, for we will no longer require Hope. Until then, during the long process of spiritual awakening, a dream of Hope is necessary to encourage us on our journey.

Quote

* For hope is but the dream of those that wake. - Matthew Prior

Why is Joy Important to Cultivate in Your Life?

Water Fairy Photo by alexiuss

From Denny: When harsh life tests come our way and often becoming overwhelming it can be difficult to maintain our joy.

It's imperative to cultivate joy, even the smallest joy in our lives. Why? Because joy is the door to creativity and creativity is the door to problem-solving.

Each dovetails into the other. Do your best to find joy in something or someone no matter how small and insignificant you may think it to be. In the end, no joy was insignificant if it kept your spiritual spark alive and thriving. Enjoy your world with enthusiasm!

Quote

* Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just How Powerful is a Mind at Peace in the Universe?

From Denny: Self-discipline need not be a negative like a harsh regimen when applied in moderate and considerate-to-self doses. So goes the self-discipline with the mind. It's why I speak so often against mean-spirited inconsiderate attitudes toward others as that is a kind of violence, a war.

While the concept of self-discipline is hardly popular there are benefits to cultivating it. No one likes to deny themselves anything! Even I have to occasionally say no to that extra piece of heavenly chocolate and my full stomach thanks me for it later. :)

Over time, self-discipline goes a longer way to establishing and rooting a person into mental toughness. Mental toughness, while maintaining an open loving heart, helps us walk through unscathed when harsh Life Tests come knocking on our doors.

That's also why the Truth is also so very important to cultivate. That cultivation helps a person avoid confusion whether it be about a stand on politics, religion or personal relationships. Both cultivating the Truth and cultivating moderate considerate self-discipline are real Life-savers, helping to nurture a beautiful Life!

Cultivating these attitudes of Truth and self-discipline goes a long way to creating a mind at Peace. Read what this quote has to say about the tremendous benefit of cultivating a mind at Peace.



Quote

* A Mind at PEACE, a Mind Centered, not focused on harming others, is Stronger than any Physical Force in the Universe. - Wayne Dyer

3 Quotes on Daring to Live Life

Photo by animatedredrose @ StumbleUpon

From Denny: Is this not the most awesome beauty of a photo? Unusual in its merging of the person with the passion of the rose really describes humanity and the inner desire to live Life to the fullest. Here are a few quotes to get you thinking when you might feel stalled on interacting in a situation or acting on a desired project. The last one is a grinner. You know me; can't resist a funny quote! :0

Quotes

* To begin is the most important part of any quest and by far the most courageous. - Plato

* I believe that one of life's greatest risks is never daring to risk. - Oprah Winfrey

* Some people like my advice so much that they frame it upon the wall instead of using it. - Gordon R. Dickson

How Do You Best Create in Your World?

Photo by heru-suryoko @ StumbleUpon

From Denny: This unusual and beautiful photo popped up in my world recently and it really does illustrate this quote the best! Always check your belief system at the door, suspend it in neutral so you have no limitations for the moment, while you are on a voyage of inner discovery. This act makes it possible to absorb all the benefits of the beauty you encounter along the way in Life.

Quote

The real voyage of discovery consists not in making new landscapes but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust

Giving to Others Gives to Ourselves

From Denny: This is truly so simple and becomes a great habit and greater blessing the younger you are when you begin. If you want to end your stress and develop wonderful friendships then choose to do good for others. What good acts you seed into the Universe comes back to you all grown up and ready to enjoy!

Quote

If I choose to bless another person, I will always end up feeling more blessed. - Marianne Williamson

***

There are always those who reject the vision of doing good in the world because they refuse to grow...

Today at The Social Poets:

16 Thoughtful Quotes From President Barack Obama, Why It Is Important to Stand Against the Republican Strategies

What is the Simplest Good Spirituality and Why?

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From Denny: You would think this one would be obvious yet people do often miss the obvious as, on the surface, it sounds too easy and too good to be true. Too many think this is about being weak and mushy sentimental when nothing could be farther from the truth. Practicing this attitude goes a long way to developing mental toughness in a harsh world, making it easier to navigate sometimes difficult waters.

Gratitude is a spiritual concept and brings home to you many wonderful things over a lifetime. It's great for stress reduction, improved relationships and greater work productivity. Well worth the cultivation!

Quote

Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality. - Alfred Painter

What's going on at some of the other blogs today:

This Weeks Roundup of Sunday Funnies - Biden's Nobel Hairpiece Prize

10 Funny Work Quotes for Monday Morning

Everyone is Wondering What the Nobel Peace Prize Committee Saw in President Obama

Do You Really Know Who Your Friends Are? Do They Pass This Simple Test?

From Denny: How often have we had friends who did not live up to this level of character? Too often we can surround ourselves with people we think are friends but the reality is they are not. The only truth is that we were friends to them. We don't find out until there is a crisis how important this information is in this quote.

Quote

A true friend sees the good in everything, and brings out the best in the worst of things. - Sasha Azevedo

Will You Recognize Whats Good Coming Your Way or Miss It?

From Denny: This quizzical owl says it all for this quote! :) It is also true it is easy to take for granted what we see every day and not truly look intently to understand what is set before us as a profound blessing.

Quote

Recognize Joy when it arrives in the plain brown wrappings of everyday life. - Udith Viorst

How Do You Dream? Advice From John Lennon

From Denny: It sure would be wonderful if we could get all of humanity to dream together one thing - world Peace!

Quote

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality. - John Lennon, The Beatles

What Journey is the Most Rewarding?

From Denny: This quote is so very true! The spiritual journey is also a beautiful one when you convince your ego to quit resisting what it does not yet understand. It will understand if it quiets and truly becomes teachable and learns what Life has to teach. Then a whole new world of wonderment opens up unexpected vistas to enjoy!

Quote

The longest journey of any person is the journey inward. - Dag Hammarskjold

Cool Way to Practice a Senseless Act of Beauty!

From Denny: When I saw this photo it just stunned me in its simplicity of sheer beauty and reminded me of this quote. Usually, we talk about the first part of the quote about how great it is to go out into the world practicing random acts of kindness toward others. This person and the photographer had a completely different take on practicing senseless acts of beauty.

Quote

Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty. - Anne Herbert

Knowing the Essence of Yourself Creates Success

From Denny: I'm enjoying going through my photo database finding the most amazing images to pair with quotes today!

It really is important to spend time in some kind of meditation or prayer time daily to reflect upon who you are at the core of self vs. what you think you are, what others believe you to be, and how you interact in your world.

This is the simple process of stripping away expectations, yours and that of others in your life, to reveal who you are and where you are meant to be in Life to make an important difference in the lives of others. Never under estimate yourself and your contribution to the lives of others!

Quote

Be what Nature intended you for, and you will succeed. - Sydney Smith

Thoughts on World Power From Rumi

Quote

World power means nothing. Only the unsayable, jeweled inner life matters. - Rumi

Do You Feel Buffeted About By the Winds of Life? Heres 5 Thought Provoking Solutions

From Denny: With all the intense and dangerous weather issues going on globally I looked around for some interesting wind quotes. Wind is often used as a metaphor for politics and the experience of living, enduring and triumphing in Life.

Here are a couple regarding wind as a metaphor for politics:

Quotes

* A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache. - Queen Catherine II

* I've seen public opinion shift like the wind and put out the very fire it lighted. - Rachel Field

Here are a few regarding our interaction with what Life brings us:

Quotes

* Botanists say that trees need the powerful March winds to flex their trunks and main branches, so the sap is drawn up to nourish the budding leaves. Perhaps we need the gales of life in the same way, though we dislike enduring them. - Jane Truax

* Let mystery have its place in you; do not be always turning up your whole soil with the ploughshare of self-examination, but leave a little fallow corner in your heart ready for any seed the winds may bring... - Henri Frederic Amiel

* If the winds of fortune are temporarily blowing against you, remember that you can harness them and make them carry you toward your definite purpose, throught the use of your imagination. - Napolean Hill

Here's what I have today over at Dennys Global Politics:

Video: Earthquakes, Flooding, Tsunamis, Hurricanes Intensify Global Problems Affecting Millions - latest news videos, eye witness accounts of the tsunami in American Samoa - and speculation as to why this violent weather is happening.